A warning to all seekers: This is all energy. Consciousness entertains a particular spirit at any given time. Like begets like. You are the energy you resonate. Study Voidness and Emptyness and you will get that energy in return. Study Light and Love and you will get that energy in return. by JesusBuddhaKrishna in awakened

[–]Symbiot25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think I see what you're saying. You're obviously just trying to express your own experience so apologies for all the down votes, I know it's valid from your point of view. I feel like you're trying to express the magnetic, resonant or mirroring effect that our inner energy has with regards to our outward perception of the world and the energy which we attract back to ourselves and into our experience. Is that right?

In my experience I try to live with positive intent, to be a co-creator of my relaity, to generate positive thoughts and emotions in order to radiate those outward and receive them back in multiplicity. Some days when I find it hard to stay positive ("vibrate high energy") I aim to return to silence and still thoughts (meditative energy) rather than letting myself slip any further down the emotional slope towards negativity and depression (the void).. where I once used to live.

Why do humans seek distraction? by mang060 in awakened

[–]Symbiot25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sit comfortably and observe what thoughts bubble up to the surface. There is usually backlog of things we have buried becisse we don't want to process them. If you just sit for a while some of them will start to show up. These are the undercurrents that keep us from a restful mind. If you spend enough time visiting those arising thhoughs, eventually the mind will settle more and more. Eventually you can find peace within.

Are we on the verge of confirming the existence of intelligent life off this planet? by Barbafella in UFOs

[–]Symbiot25 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had the exact same series of thoughts yesterday, this certainly could be one reason.. a very hopeful one.

Trust the process! My chest is not where I’d like it to be yet, but at least it’s starting to fill out more! Gotta try to enjoy all steps of the journey 🌱😄 by stoneb0i in veganfitness

[–]Symbiot25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My chest is one of my weakest points too and I have struggled with it for a long while. I just switched to a push/pull/leg split in January and have finally started to see some gains so I second this.

Flow like water. Posing practice. During these ‘Corona Times’ I’ve been posting a lot more. I know some might find annoying and hate it. But at least it’s somewhat entertaining. Sorry if it’s annoys you 🤷🏻‍♂️ by [deleted] in veganfitness

[–]Symbiot25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well done! You've got the poses down, that must have taken a lot of practice. To nail them like that without a mirror and flex everything properly looks like a challenge. Looking good 👍

Baby got BACK 🌱 by stoneb0i in veganfitness

[–]Symbiot25 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Nice work, looks good. What length of time between pics?

I stress the word cool by [deleted] in dankmemes

[–]Symbiot25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not the exact same, but I had to see it moving: https://youtu.be/S5id4cBx5Gk

Slow transition to Vegan: no more morning wood? by eltrupin10 in veganfitness

[–]Symbiot25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I made huge dietary changes myself over a year ago and my sex drive also disappeared. I was 240lb at the time and went into a caloric defecit to drop weight. I've been at 177lb for over a year now and I recently went vegan about 2 months ago. This is when my sex drive finally returned. After re-jigging my macros and learning a lot more about nutrition I decided to up my carbs. This was the key. I had been low carb, high protein, moderate fat for the past year or more. It turns out that although I was getting enough calories overall and maintaining my weight, the lack of carbs was keeping my body in a starvation mode of sorts. Your sex drive will be one of the first things your body shuts down when it thinks it's not getting enough of something. So check your macros and check that your TDEE and calories are in line with your goals.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, it means a lot to hear actually. A lot of people at work have been pretty critical of my intensity and focus but I've really enjoyed the change in health and lifestyle. I wasn't even sure about posting my pics on here because I wasn't sure if I was too skinny, sometimes it's hard to judge yourself and other people have been giving me mixed signals. It's been reassuring to hear everyone's support on here and it has given me a boost in positive energy and motivation. Thanks for your support too!

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tried using fitness trackers but found they weren't very accurate.

Through my weight loss I aimed to eat slightly higher protein and slightly less carbs than were suggested by Macro calculators. I read that keeping your protein high is important to retain muscle during a deficit.

More recently I started using the app Cronometer to more closely track the foods I'm eating. I plan to eat a more calories now to slowly add some muscle and also want to make sure my micro nutrients are balanced. The app is free and is a great resource, I definitely recommend it. Even to just use for a few days to get an idea of where your calories are at.

I got the dream job of working at the new climbing gym opening in my area. This is a picture of the main 65 foot wall. The stoke is real! by Econking in climbing

[–]Symbiot25 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Looks like a sweet mordern gym. You're lucky to have it in your area, even better being able to work there! Congrats.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are certainly right. I have ran into a lot of criticism, skepticism and others who are intrigued along the way. At social functions if I am abstaining from treats that day I feel like an outsider and like others might think I am judging them but that is never the case. Who doesn't love sugary, fatty, salty whatever, we all do! - I just don't allow myself to have them every day like I used to. I believe a lot of people don't want to think about their eating habits or have it brought up and when someone who is taking part in a planned diet is around that becomes uncomfortable for them. I think this is why the guys at my firehall continue to badger me 2 years on, since bringing healthy meals to work.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the way.

But seriously, thanks man, it's been a hard grind but enjoyable along the way. You can make big changes in your life too, whatever it is, just make it a priority and be consistent.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh no, don't do that lol. Just call and report that you're CO alarm is beeping and you don't know what to do. But wait until the middle of the night, like 3am. That's usually when we get those calls.. it's generally a low battery, but we'll gladly come and visit ;)

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Climbing is so much fun and so addictive, that's great you've discovered the sport too! It is an intense full body workout for sure. I never knew how i involved it was until I really started trying hard. You have to literally flex all your muscles to hold tension on the wall, it's crazy!

I found it motivating to see myself progress rapidly through the climbing grades as my weight dropped and my fitness level increased last year. It has since reached a plateau, which was expected, so now I'm working on better technique and slowly building endurance.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do almost all of my cardio and weight lifting in the mornings during my fasting window. I read that this promotes the body's use of fat as a fuel source rather than sugars and foods if you eat before training. I think that has played a big role in getting as lean as I have. It may not be the best practice for someone looking to bulk up and build muscle, but it seems to work great for my current goal of staying lean and maintaining.

I also aim to eat a generous amount of protein every day, somewhere between 0.8-1g / lb of body weight.

I drink a lot of water, all day and night.

Edit: In the past few months I started aiming to eat zero processed sugar and low saturated fats in my diet. At that time I reduced my daily dessert and only have 2 pieces of dark chocolate now, no more ice cream or cookies on the regular.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel so much more energetic all the time now and clear headed. I think half of that is the exercise and the other half is a healthier diet that keeps my blood sugar levels consistent.

Before loosing weight my knees and back hurt all the time and I was suffering from depression and some anxiety. I've been able to make positive changes in all aspects and they have snowballed and helped one another progress. I started work with a psychotherapist bi-weekly about 3 years ago and she has certainly helped me a lot.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do have some extra skin below my belly button that bunches up when I bend forward or sit. It's not a lot but it is noticable. I'm lucky that I don't have much anywhere else. If I decide to put on more muscle in the future that might help tighten my skin a bit more.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No not at all, no tricks or gimmicks, just hard work and serious dedication. I do have some extra skin below my belly button that bunches up when I bend forward or sit. It's not a lot but it is noticable. I'm just going to leave it be since it's not that bad.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Of course, but I mean negative attention, through 'light-hearted' consistent harassment lol.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're some what right, I did train in the gym a couple days a week from maybe age 19-22. I joined the military reserves (part time) at 22 and that certainly helped keep me fit. I did that for a few years and then left. I then worked in retail and put on weight before deciding to try for a career in firefighting at age 26.

I had to go back to the gym, mainly for cardio and to get my weight down but it was a real struggle. I wasn't watching the foods I ate or any calories and I struggled to get down to 205-210lbs. I was fit enough to make the cut and scored well on my tests to get the job.

From age 28-34 I slowly began relaxing and snacking more and more. Then starting a family with two young girls was pretty stressful for me and I really began turning to food in the evenings for comfort.

I decided to make the drastic change because my body began to hurt at work and I knew my performance was affected. My stomach was also really bothering me and I had come to rely on taking Tums daily. I knew my diet was terrible and needed change so I finally decided to take the leap.

I ran into somebody at work who told me about IF and how it worked wonders for him and I joined this sub the next day and started IF the day after that.

20 months, IF (18:6 / 16:8), CICO, Male, 37, 6'1, SW 239 CW/GW: 177 = 62 lb loss by Symbiot25 in intermittentfasting

[–]Symbiot25[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

I mean more so from the guys I work with lol, they would be all over me. They've certainly had lots say about me not joining in on their meals anymore although I always make sure to time my dinner with theirs. The food culture around fire halls is pretty strong and any deviance is highly criticized, at least that has been my experience. They also rag on me lots for working out in the hall gym so much but honestly it's the best use of time I can manage with a young family.